Are you on the lookout for a pickup truck without the complications that come with a full-sized model? Ford has two appealing solutions for you.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup that features a crew cab and a 5-foot bed, similar to the F-150, and includes a Raptor off-road variant. It offers a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, which is lower than the F-150, but it provides superior maneuverability, enhanced off-road performance, easier parking, and more affordability.
On the other hand, the Ford Maverick, a compact pickup truck, comes with a standard hybrid powertrain designed for on-road comfort. Its debut in 2022 saw overwhelming popularity, leading Ford to struggle with fulfilling demand, and it earned our Best Car To Buy 2022 award. Though price increases have occurred, supply now meets demand, and the Maverick stands out despite competition from vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
If you feel that a full-size F-150 may be more truck than you need, the Ranger and Maverick both present strong cases for being your truck choice. Which one will suit your needs best? Let’s delve into the details to find out.
What differentiates the design of the Ford Ranger from the Ford Maverick?
Both trucks draw on design features from the F-150. The Ranger is almost a foot longer and half a foot wider than the Maverick. The Ranger includes a crew cab with a 5-foot bed, while the Maverick is built with a tighter cab and a 4.5-foot bed.
Both vehicles seat five, although four can do so more comfortably. The Ranger provides additional rear seat space and versatility with flip-up rear seats and underseat storage, but the upright rear seats can be uncomfortable on long drives. Rear legroom is tight—less than 35 inches—on both models.
Each is offered in one basic layout: a crew cab paired with a smaller bed. The Ranger is larger, boasting a 5-foot bed, positioning it between the F-150 and the Maverick. It delivers all the functionality you would expect from the smaller sibling of the F-150.
The Maverick, sharing a foundation with the Ford Escape crossover, comes with a 4.5-foot bed, offers a hybrid engine option, and features seating that resembles that of the Escape. It serves well for fleets and as a weekend adventurer, driving more like a crossover but still capable of tackling tasks like landscaping, moving, and accommodating various weekend hobbies without the heaviness associated with larger trucks.
Both models feature clamp-shaped headlights and a bar across their broad, vertical grilles resembling a dumbbell. The Maverick’s design incorporates a more electric-like style, curving these clamps towards the top of the grille similar to the F-150 Lightning electric pickup. They lack the stepped window design found in the F-150’s front doors, but the fender plates from the F-150 indicate trim levels on the front fenders. Both have round wheel arches, accommodating 17-inch steel wheels, while the Maverick can opt for 19-inch wheels compared to the Ranger’s 18-inch options. In summary, the Ranger’s larger size gives it a more pronounced pickup truck presence.
The Maverick’s interior has a straightforward appeal with plasticky materials that reflect its budget-friendly nature, yet it still manages to exhibit some style. The Ranger’s dashboard echoes the shape of its expansive grille in a practical design featuring large, ear-shaped vents next to either a 10.1-inch or a 12.0-inch touchscreen. It also includes a dual glovebox.
Interestingly, the more affordable Maverick comes equipped with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen and supports wireless smartphone integration. Both trucks feature a light, circular dial shifter, which may seem out of place considering their rugged character, although the Ranger XL and XLT models retain a more traditional mechanical gear shifter.
Advantage: Ranger on the exterior, Maverick on the interior.
Ranger vs. Maverick: Prices and Features
The Ranger is priced from approximately $35,000 for the XL version up to about $57,000 for the Raptor model. In comparison, the Maverick ranges from $28,000 for the XL trim to $42,000 for the Lobo edition. The best picks are the Ranger XLT and the base Maverick XL Hybrid.
What is the starting price for a Ford Ranger?
The entry-level Ranger can be found at around $35,000, equipped with cloth seating, vinyl flooring, power features, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone compatibility, and standard cruise control. However, opting for the four-wheel-drive system adds about $3,700.
The $41,000 XLT 4×4 covers most of what is needed, including blind-spot monitors, wireless smartphone charging, LED lighting for both fog and the truck bed, and remote start. It still relies on a traditional key ignition. If towing is a regular need, consider the Advanced Towing Plus Technology Package ($2,305), which includes a surround-view camera and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Adding the FX4 Off-Road Package ($1,295) enhances off-road capabilities. Altogether, it could remain under $45,000. For heated seats and 4WD, anticipate needing about $50,000.
The $45,120 Lariat model boasts power front seats, a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, a surround-view camera setup, two 12.0-inch displays, a heated steering wheel, and adaptive cruise control. At the higher performance end, the $56,960 Ranger Raptor includes Lariat features along with advanced shocks, all-terrain tires, and a robust 405-hp V-6 engine, delivering an exhilarating experience.
How much does a Ford Maverick cost?
The starting price of the Maverick has increased by approximately $6,000 since its debut in 2022, yet the entry-level model with a hybrid powertrain remains a strong value at $28,000. It offers features like cruise control, 17-inch steel wheels, and manually adjustable cloth seats similar to the Ranger, but Ford enhances it with a generous 13.2-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it still a great deal.
The XLT trim begins at $32,000 and includes 17-inch alloy wheels and a power tailgate lock. This trim also opens up options like heated front seats and the FX4 Off-Road Package, featuring skid plates and sturdy tires.
The new Lobo expands on the XLT’s offerings with a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, and available adaptive cruise control, and it also includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power sunroof.
The Lariat, which is exclusively all-wheel drive, features synthetic leather seating, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a premium sound system, a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a towing package. This version exceeds $40,000, pushing it closer in price to the Ranger.
Starting at $45,000, the Tremor builds on the Lariat with off-road enhancements such as skid plates, 17-inch all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential. It is only offered with the turbo-4 engine and comes with a limited selection of options, including a sunroof.
What warranties cover the Ford Ranger and Maverick?
Both models come with a basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles, in addition to a powertrain warranty lasting 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Advantage: Maverick.
Ranger vs. Maverick: Performance and Engine Options
The Ranger is equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo-4 that delivers 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6 offers 315 hp and 400 lb-ft, while the Ranger Raptor boasts a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 producing 405 hp and 430 lb-ft. The Ranger is available with standard rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive as an option.
The Maverick features a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with an electric motor for a total output of 191 hp and 155 lb-ft. An optional 2.0-liter turbo-4 raises output to 250 hp and 277 lb-ft, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available.
How is the driving experience in the Ford Maverick?
There are two distinct experiences with the Maverick; the standard Hybrid is designed for efficient city driving and smooth highway cruising. While it may not match the acceleration of the turbo-4, it excels in quiet operation and features a CVT that effectively responds to driver inputs without prolonged gear ratios. The turbo-4 is recommended for the Tremor and Lobo variants, offering more dynamic performance and power delivery. The 8-speed automatic can sometimes feel hesitant, but this often reflects the driver’s input.
The Maverick shares its platform with the Escape crossover, featuring a suspension that is generally softer than traditional pickups. The hybrid model employs MacPherson struts with coil springs in the front and a twist-beam rear axle with a stabilizer bar. This setup emphasizes comfort and usability over performance in a compact format. Turbo-4 models, however, benefit from a more rugged independent suspension designed for off-road responsiveness, allowing for increased towing capacity. Overall, the Maverick is more agile and nimble than many larger trucks due to its unibody design.
How does the Ford Ranger perform on the road?
The base Ranger is powered by a 2.3-liter turbo-4 generating 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it noticeably more powerful than the Maverick’s optional turbo-4. Furthermore, the Ranger’s 10-speed automatic transmission is more assertive in lower gear ranges compared to the Maverick’s. The more powerful 2.7-liter turbo V-6 produces 315 hp and is considered ideal for towing, while the Ranger Raptor’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 yields an impressive 405 hp. With its suspension enhancements, including 2.5-inch Fox Live Valve shocks, electronic locking differentials, and 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, the Ranger Raptor offers potentially the most entertaining driving experience in Ford’s truck lineup for the price.
The Ranger utilizes rear leaf springs and a solid rear axle, which can result in more motion in the bed compared to other midsize trucks like the GMC Canyon. However, this setup is advantageous for towing and hauling, particularly when equipped with the Raptor’s adjusted suspension for high-speed off-roading.
Advantage: Ranger offers more excitement while the Maverick prioritizes comfort.
Fuel Efficiency: Ranger vs. Maverick
The front-wheel-drive Maverick Hybrid achieves an EPA rating of 42 mpg in the city, 33 on the highway, and 37 combined; all-wheel drive may reduce these figures by around 3-4 mpg. The Maverick equipped with the turbo-4 engine is rated at 23/30/26 mpg, while opting for AWD reduces it by 1 mpg (22/29/25 mpg); the Tremor variant conveys 20/24/21 mpg.
The turbo-4 Ranger rates at 21/25/22 mpg with rear-wheel drive; four-wheel drive maintains a combined rating of 22 mpg. The Ranger V-6 with standard 4WD is rated at 19/23/20 mpg, while the Ranger Raptor’s fuel economy is lower at 16/18/17 mpg.
Towing Capacity and Payload: Ranger vs. Maverick
The Maverick carries a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds and can tow up to 4,000 pounds when equipped with the turbo-4 engine. In contrast, the Ranger has a towing capability of up to 7,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,805 pounds, making it more suitable for traditional truck tasks.
For routine towing and fulfilling more extensive truck functions, the Ranger surpasses the Maverick’s abilities. While equipped with a standard trailer package and bumper-mounted ball, the Ranger’s base towing capacity stands at 3,500 pounds. To reach the full 7,500-pound capacity, one must opt for the Max Trailer package, which includes enhanced cooling and a Class IV receiver, available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The turbo-4 engine provides sufficient power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize torque when towing, though it may transmit vibrations through the frame and handling, acting as a reminder of the load. The leaf springs assist in preventing trailer sag, with a maximum payload of 1,805 pounds in RWD configurations and 1,711 pounds when equipped with 4WD.
For those less experienced with towing, Ford offers the Pro Trailer Backup Assist for $825. By entering specific details on the touchscreen and utilizing the tow-haul button, drivers can reverse with ease, guiding the trailer by using a dial that functions like a video game controller, simplifying the backing-up process.
The Maverick doesn’t provide certain features, but for an additional $745, buyers can add an all-wheel drive tow package on XL, XLT, and Lariat models that includes a trailer brake controller and a hitch with a 7-pin connector, along with enhanced engine and transmission cooling. This allows for a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, which is competitive within the compact crossover segment. It is sufficient for occasional transport of water sports equipment or a small camper.
Image Source: arren Brode / Shutterstock
